Writing Standards

The College’s Division of Strategic Communications creates and edits materials for the College using the AP Stylebook. However, we have adopted some exceptions to the AP style. Consistency of style is important to establish the College’s identity and to provide clear and direct information to the College’s audiences.

The Editorial and Punctuation Style Guide outlines some of the most commonly used phrases and grammar rules for College materials.

View the Editorial and Punctuation Style Guide

Use our Voice and Tone guide when writing copy.

Voice and Tone

Word Bank

Please consider using forms of any of the following words or phrases when referring to the College, its students, and relative constituents:

  • Access
  • Succeed
  • Grit 
  • Empower
  • Neighbor
  • Unity/unified
  • Hustle
  • Resilient
  • Affordable
  • Diverse
  • Committed
  • Possibilities
  • Ready
  • Flexibility 
  • Passionate
  • Engagement
  • Volunteer
  • Dynamic
  • Lion
  • Pride